plural tokens
1
: a round piece of metal or plastic that is used instead of money in some machines : an object that looks like a coin and is used in place of a coin
a bus/subway token
2
: something that is a symbol of a feeling, event, etc.
—usually + of
Consider this gift a token of my affection/gratitude.
a token of our friendship
3
British
: gift certificate
a book/record/gift token
always used before a noun
disapproving
1
—used to describe something that is done with very little effort and only to give the appearance that an effort is being made
The government has made only a token effort to end homelessness.
token resistance
a token gesture
2
: included in a group only to prevent criticism that people of a particular kind are being unfairly left out
All the people who work there are men except for a couple of token women.
The ad campaign features a few token minorities.
Cite this Entry
“Token.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/token. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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